OPPONENTS AT A GLANCEST. LOUIS BLUES – Head Coach: Ken Hitchcock… Record: 34-14-7, 75 pts… Standings: 2nd/Central Division… 4th/Western Conference… Are the NHL’s top defensive club, allowing 1.91 goals-against per game… Leading Scorer: C David Backes (16-25-41, 55 GP)… Leading Goaltender: Brian Elliott (18-5-2, 1.63 GAA, .939 SV%, 5 SO in 26 GP)… All-Time Series: Jackets are 23-29-13, including 15-11-6 at home… Columbus went 2-2-2 in 2010-11 with four of the six games decided by three or more goals… This Season: Third of six meetings… Blues won 2-1 at Columbus on Nov. 27 and 6-4 at home on Dec. 18… Next game is Mar. 10 at St. Louis.

CHICAGO BLACKHAWKS – Head Coach: Joel Quenneville… Record: 29-20-7, 65 pts… Standings: 4th/Central Division… 6th/Western Conference… The Hawks have lost five-straight in regulation and are 0-7-1 in their last eight games heading into this week… Leading Scorer: RW Marian Hossa (20-33-53, 55 GP)… Leading Goaltender: Corey Crawford (18-14-5, 2.99 GAA, .898 SV%, 1 SO in 39 GP)… All-Time Series: Jackets are 28-31-8 all-time against Chicago, including 15-13-5 at home… Blue Jackets went 2-3-1 in 2010-2011… This Season: Fifth of six meetings… Chicago won 5-2 on Oct. 29, 4-1 on Dec. 26 and 5-2 on Jan. 10 in games played at United Center and 6-3 at Nationwide Arena Nov. 10… Next game is Mar. 20 at Columbus.

NEW YORK RANGERS – Head Coach: John Tortorella… Record: 36-13-5, 77 pts… Standings: 1st/Atlantic Division… 1st/Eastern Conference… Rank 2nd in the NHL in goals-against (1.96) and 4th in penalty killing (87.2 pct.)… Leading Scorer: RW Marian Gaborik (27-21-48, 54 GP)… Leading Goaltender: Henrik Lundqvist (26-11-4, 1.81 GAA, .939 SV%, 6 SO in 41 GP)… All-Time Series: Jackets are 6-4-1, including 1-2-1 at Madison Square Garden… Columbus won lone meeting last season, 3-1, at home on Dec. 11, 2010… New York won the last game at MSG, 7-4, on Nov. 23, 2009… This Season: Only Meeting.

LAST WEEK’S RESULTSFeb. 7 – at BLUE JACKETS 3, Minnesota 1: Rookie David Savard tallied 1-1-2 and goaltender Curtis Sanford made 28 saves as the Blue Jackets won their second-straight game. Savard’s first NHL goal gave Columbus a 1-0 lead 8:59 into the game but Minnesota drew even at 1-1 after one period despite being out shot 14 to 7 thanks to a goal by Nate Prosser. A power play goal by Antoine Vermette at 15:31 of the second was the game-winner and Jeff Carter’s goal at 5:38 of the third rounded out the scoring … Feb. 9 – Dallas 4, at BLUE JACKETS 2: The Stars jumped out to a 2-0 lead 4:21 into the game on goals by Jamie Benn and Alex Goligoski and led 3-0 1:09 into the second after a Stephane Robidas goal before holding on for the win. Columbus used a pair of second period power play goals by Vinny Prospal at 8:32 and Rick Nash at 12:12 to pull within 3-2 midway through the game. The Jackets could get no closer as Benn added an empty net tally at 19:59 of the third. Kari Lehtonen made 26 saves in net for the Stars, while Curtis Sanford stopped 31-of-34 shots for the Jackets … Feb. 11 – BLUE JACKETS 3, at Minnesota 1:Steve Mason made 34 saves and R.J. Umberger registered his first two-goal game of the season to lead the Jackets to their second-straight road win. Minnesota took a 1-0 lead at 14:28 of the first on a goal by Devin Setoguchi before Umberger tied it at 1-1 at the 19:04 mark. Umberger scored again late in the second, collecting a power play tally at the 19:39 mark that proved to be the game-winner. James Wisniewski set up the winning goal and added an empty net tally at 19:11 of the third as Columbus won despite being outshot 35 to 19 in the game… Feb. 12 – Anaheim 5, at BLUE JACKETS 3: Anaheim jumped out to 2-0 and 5-1 leads thanks to the play of Corey Perry (3-0-3), Ryan Getzlaf (0-3-3) and Bobby Ryan (1-1-2) and held off a Jackets rally. Columbus trailed 2-1 after one period as Fedor Tyutin scored at the 17:41 mark but the Ducks responded with a pair of goals in the first 2:58 of the second and Perry’s third goal at the 12:38 mark pushed Anaheim’s advantage to 5-1. Goals by Columbus’ Aaron Johnson at 19:10 of the second and Antoine Vermette at 5:27 of the third rounded out the scoring. Anaheim was 3-of-4 on the power play, while Columbus went 2-of-5.

POWER PLAY SURGES The Blue Jackets have converted 7-of-23 chances on the power play (30.4 pct.) in their last five games, scoring at least one goal in each game. The club went 4-of-42 (9.5 pct.) over the previous 17 games. Columbus has now converted 34-of-212 (16.0 pct.) on the season, climbing to 21st in the NHL. Since beginning the season 0-of-20 in its first four games, the Jackets have converted 17.8 pct. of its chances with the man advantage (34-of-192).

TEAM NOTES The Blue Jackets have won three of their last five games and two-straight on the road (3-2 at Anaheim on Feb. 3 and 3-1 at Minnesota on Feb. 11) for the first time since last Mar. 12 (3-2 at Carolina) and Mar. 19 (5-4 OT at Minnesota)… Columbus has lost 251 man games due to injury this season, surpassing the totals of five previous seasons (club record is 343 in 2008-09)… The Jackets play four of the next six games at home in advance of the NHL trade deadline on Monday, February 27 (3 p.m. ET).

NASH RIDING FIVE-GAME POINT STREAK RW Rick Nash has picked up a point in a season-high five consecutive games (1-5-6). He has collected 8-9-17 in his last 23 games and leads the club in goals and points with 18-21-39 in 56 games. He is two goals shy of registering his eighth-straight season with 20 or more goals. The only season he has not scored at least 20 was his rookie campaign in 2002-03 (17-22-39 in 74 games).

Brassard

BRASSARD KEEPS PICKING UP POINTS C Derick Brassard has racked up 7-10-17 in his last 24 games with all five of his multi-point games and both of his game-winning goals coming during that span. He has tallied 4-6-10 with an even plus/minus rating in his last 14 games, picked up points in five of the last eight games (2-5-7) and has 9-13-22 in 48 games this season.

PLAYER NOTES LW Vinny Prospal, who signed a one-year contract extension on Feb. 8, has collected 1-4-5 in his last six games and leads the club in assists, ranks second in points and third in goals with 10-25-35 in 56 outings… C Jeff Carter has picked up 2-1-3 in five games since missing 10-straight due to injury… LW R.J. Umberger registered his first multi-goal game of the season with two at Minnesota on Feb. 11… D James Wisniewski tallied 1-1-2, +1 at Minnesota on Feb. 11 and 0-1-1, +1 vs. Anaheim on Feb. 12 in his first games back after missing 17-straight due to injury… C Antoine Vermette has tallied 3-7-10 in his last 15 games with goals in two of the last four… G Curtis Sanford is 5-6-1 with a 2.23 GAA, .925 SV% and one shutout in his last 12 starts… G Steve Mason made 34 saves to beat Minnesota 3-1 on Feb. 11 and has made 30 or more saves in each of his last three starts.

BLACK TIE BLUE JACKETS STYLE SHOW SET FOR THIS THURSDAY NIGHT This year’s Black Tie Blue Jackets Style Show, presented by Kelly BMW, AEP and Capital Style, will be held at Nationwide Arena on Thursday, Feb. 16 to benefit the Columbus Blue Jackets Foundation and the fight against pediatric cancer. The event, which last year raised a record $200,000, begins at 5:30 p.m. with a reception and model meet & greet presented by Heidelberg Distributing followed by a sit-down dinner and style show featuring Blue Jackets players, their wives & girlfriends, and pediatric cancer heroes. For more information, visit www.BlackTieBlueJackets.org.

BLUE JACKETS JOIN NHL, USA HOCKEY FOR HOCKEY WEEKEND ACROSS AMERICA In its fifth straight year, the Blue Jackets and OhioHealth Chiller Ice Rinks will be involved in a number of events and initiatives recognizing Hockey Weekend Across America. OhioHealth Chiller Easton will be conducting Free Beginner Clinics on Saturday, Feb. 18 for kids ages 6-12 who are not currently registered in classes and Stinger and members of the Ohio State University Men’s Ice Hockey team will be on hand for instruction. Kids and parents interested in registering can do so at www.TryHockeyforFree.com.

ROOSTERS VIEWING PARTY FEBRUARY 19 Watch the Blue Jackets take on the New York Rangers on Sunday, Feb. 19 at Roosters at 3370 Olentangy River Rd. for an Official Blue Jackets Viewing Party. Stinger, Mike Todd, the Pepsi Power Patrol and KIA Ice Crew will be on hand starting at 7:30 p.m. with tickets and other prizes.

COLUMBUS ZOO & AQUARIUM NIGHT IS TUESDAY, FEB. 21 Join the Blue Jackets on Tuesday, Feb. 21 when they host the San Jose Sharks on Columbus Zoo & Aquarium Night. Highlights of the night include an appearance by Jack Hanna, the zoo’s director emeritus, as well as numerous animal displays throughout Nationwide Arena.

WIN A NIGHT IN THE MILLER LITE POWER PLAY SUITE In conjunction with Giant Eagle, Miller Lite and 97.1 The Fan, the Blue Jackets are offering fans the chance to win tickets in the Miller Lite Power Play Suite when the club hosts the Detroit Red Wings on Tuesday, Feb. 28. Fans can enter by using the in-store QR code found on Miller Lite point-of-sale materials at area Giant Eagle locations or at 97.1 The Fan’s website: www.971thefan.com. Winners and their guests will receive free food and beverage and a gift bag courtesy of Giant Eagle and the Blue Jackets.

PAPA JOHN’S FUTURE JACKETS Coaches and parents are encouraged to enter to win the opportunity of a lifetime for their mini-mite, mite or squirt hockey team. The Future Jackets presented by Papa John’s gives teams the chance to play during an intermission at select Blue Jackets home games. Winners receive 50 game tickets, gift bags and T-shirts and entry can be found at www.BlueJackets.com/PapasFutureJackets.

PAPA JOHN’S MONDAYS Fans get free toppings on Papa John’s pizza (large cheese for $9.99) every Monday for each goal scored by the Blue Jackets in their most recent game. Fans can double the toppings after a win! Order by phone or at www.papajohns.com (promo code CBJMonday).

SKYLINE CHILI BLUE JACKETS FAMILY FOUR PACK Fans can visit their local Skyline Chili restaurant to enter to win four tickets to a weekend home game, a $40 Skyline Chili gift card and a group photo with Blue Jackets mascot, Stinger. Ten winners will be chosen throughout the season with the contest concluding on Mar. 9.

PETLAND PRESENTS 2012 PUCKS AND PAWS CALENDAR, FAVORITE PET CONTEST The Columbus Blue Jackets Foundation announces the release of the 2012 Pucks and Paws Calendar presented by Petland. The calendar features Blue Jackets players alongside assistance dogs and puppies in training from Canine Companions for Independence®, the nation’s largest non-profit provider of trained assistance dogs to children, adults and veterans with physical disabilities. Fans can purchase the calendar at the Foundation Kiosk during Blue Jackets home games or at www.BlueJacketsFoundation.org. Starting Feb. 14, fans can upload their pet’s photo at www.BlueJackets.com/FavoritePet for the chance to be featured on a dasherboard during one Blue Jackets game at Nationwide Arena. The winning pet owner will also receive pet food for a year, a $500 Petland gift card, tickets to the game in which they’ll be featured on the dasher, a signed jersey and 2012 Pucks & Paws Calendar.

TIM HORTONS COFFEE WITH THE COACH Fans can enter to win the opportunity to enjoy coffee and donuts and talk strategy with Interim Head Coach Todd Richards and Assistant Coaches Brad Berry and Dan Hinote at Tim Hortons on February 23. Winners and their guests will also be invited to watch practice that morning. Entries can be found at www.BlueJackets.com/CoffeewCoach.

THIS WEEK ON JACKETS TV AT BLUEJACKETS.COM This week’s scheduled Jackets TV programming includes: the Top 5 Plays of the Week (vote for your favorite); complete pre- and post-event coverage of this week’s Columbus Blue Jackets Foundation Black Tie Blue Jackets Style Show; a One-on-One interview with Jackets forward Colton Gillies; complete practice and game day coverage; and more.

STAY CONNECTED WITH THE JACKETS Fans can follow the Blue Jackets online, watch game highlights, press conferences and exclusive behind-the-scenes video content on Jackets TV at BlueJackets.com. Fans can also get up-to-the-minute news and stories by following the Blue Jackets on Twitter at www.twitter.com/BlueJacketsNHL. “Like” the club’s official Facebook® page and get the latest club news and promotions, videos, photos, updates and interact with other fans at www.facebook.com/OfficialColumbusBlueJackets. Check out great videos on the club’s YouTube channel as well at www.YouTube.com/BlueJacketsNHL.

BLUE JACKETS MOBILE APP NOW AVAILABLE The Blue Jackets official mobile app gives fans a new way to follow the team using their smart phones and mobile devices. The app is currently available in the iTunes and Android Market app stores. Fans can download the NHL GameCenter app and select the Blue Jackets as their favorite team to access the team’s schedule/results, game play-by-play, statistics, NHL standings, game photos, player profiles and updated news. iPhone and iPad users can track shots and goals with the 3D Ice Tracker. All users will also be able to watch features from Jackets TV at BlueJackets.com and purchase single game tickets from within the app.

BLUE JACKETS MEDIA GUIDE AVAILABLE AT iTUNES STORE The Columbus Blue Jackets 2011-12 Interactive Media Guide is available for free at the iTunes Store as fans now can download the media guide to their computer, iPad or iPhone. The guide contains interactive player bios, as well as detailed team historical and statistical information and records.

BLUE JACKETS ON FOX SPORTS OHIO Blue Jackets hockey returns to FOX Sports Ohio in 2011-12 with 79 live telecasts in high definition. Game night coverage includes the BLUE JACKETS LIVE pre- (begins 30 minutes prior to the start of each game) and post-game shows… BLUE JACKETS SLAP SHOTS has returned to FOX Sports Ohio each week during the 2011-12 season. Check it out Mondays at 6 p.m.

BLUE JACKETS ON THE RADIO The AlarmForce Blue Jackets Sunday Morning Skate can be heard on the Wheeling Island Hotel & Casino Blue Jackets Radio Network and Sports Radio 97.1 The Fan on Sundays from 10 to 11 a.m. with hosts Bob McElligott and Mark Wyant… The Columbus Blue Jackets Coach’s Show with Todd Richards airs on Sports Radio 97.1 The Fan on Wednesdays from 7 to 8 p.m.

BLUE JACKETS “PRESS BOX” AT BLUEJACKETS.COM The Blue Jackets have created a “Press Box” microsite on BlueJackets.com with daily updates of the following: press releases, news articles, media clips, game notes, post-game notes, videos posted on Jackets TV, post-game audio, weekly reports, as well as NHL stats and standings and a link to the 2011-12 interactive media guide. The site is located under the “News” module at the top of the BlueJackets.com home page or at the following link – http://bluejackets.nhl.com/pressbox.

TICKET INFORMATIONSingle Game: Tickets starting at $26 are on sale now at the Nationwide Arena Ticket Office, FOX Sports Ohio Blue Line Team Stores at OhioHealth Chiller Easton, OhioHealth Chiller Dublin, OhioHealth Chiller North and the Mall at Tuttle Crossing, all Ticketmaster Ticket Centers, by phone at (800) 745-3000 or online at www.BlueJackets.com and www.Ticketmaster.com… Season & Group Tickets: For information on full and partial season ticket plans starting at $15 per game and group tickets, call (614) 246-PUCK or (800) NHL-COLS or visit www.BlueJackets.com… Huntington Green Seats: A minimum of 250 tickets are available for just $10 at the Nationwide Arena Box Office two hours prior to every home game… White Castle Rush CBJ student tickets: Student tickets are available for $15 (AEP Power Level) and $25 (Lower Level) at the box office beginning one hour prior to all home preseason games or online beginning at 12 p.m. on game days at www.BlueJackets.com... Military Appreciation Ticket: All active service personnel receive a free ticket to Blue Jackets home games by showing a valid, current military I.D. at the Nationwide Arena Box Office.